Childhood immunization shots -- also known as vaccine shots -- were developed to prevent kids from acquiring serious illnesses that may cause permanent damage or disability. These vaccine shots are administered when a child reaches a certain age to ensure their effectiveness against specific diseases.

Vaccine shots work by helping a child's body to produce necessary antibodies to make him immune for long periods of time to certain illnesses. As of today, many childhood illnesses are kept at bay because of vaccine shots that are usually effective for five years or more. Serious diseases that are now controlled by vaccine shots include measles, rubella, mumps, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, and certain strains of bacterial meningitis.

In some cases, immunization shots may cause unwanted effects like pain, fever, or inflammation of the area injected with the vaccine. However, many of these unwanted effects are minor and temporary, making vaccine shots safe and effective in most cases. Moreover, the protection these vaccine shots can give definitely outweighs any possible unwanted effects childhood immunization shots may cause in certain instances. In cases wherein kids are taking medicines that may lower their immunity against infections or are experiencing other serious conditions like cancer, vaccines are not usually advised.

The effectiveness of immunization shots last for many years. So as to lengthen the immunity period, booster shots may be needed and these could be given every ten years or so. To determine if a child is ready for vaccine shots, a consultation with a pediatrician is required.